Mangalore, January 10, 2010: A Blood Donation Drive was organized to commemorate the inaugural of the Milagres Church Centenary Celebrations 2010-2011 in the Milagres Conference Hall at 11:00 A.M.

The formal program started with invoking Gods’ blessings by way of a classical dance. Mr. Marcel Monteiro, Convenor -Centenary Celebrations Committee escorted the guests to the dais and welcomed the gathering.

Dr. Crystal Moras speaking on this occasion said that the need for blood is ever growing and there is no scientific substitute for blood. Voluntarily collected blood is the key for saving lives.

She said that due to the scientific advancements in technology it is possible to separate RBC, WBC, Platelets and other components from the blood easily and safely. Therefore it is possible to supply the necessary components in concentrated forms to the patients as per the need. A healthy male and female can donate blood once in three and six months respectively. There is no harm or danger in donating blood. But it in turn helps in building bone marrow quickly and contributes to a healthier growth of an individual.

On being asked about the process followed after the blood collection Dr. Crystal Moras briefed Our Correspondent that the collected blood is stored in the refrigerated storage facilities.

The earlier collected sample are numbered and catalogued and then tested for any traces of infection. If the tests are passed then, it is moved to next category and is then moved to the blood bank. The blood can only be stored up to 34 days in liquid form and if there is no receiver within 34 days then it is discarded.

Only 400 ml of blood is collected from an individual. The packet in which it is collected contains 49 ml of anticoagulation liquid which will prevent it from clotting and makes it possible to be stored in liquid form for 34 days.

A Blood Donation Drive was organized to commemorate the inaugural of the Milagres Church Centenary Celebrations 2010-2011 in the Milagres Conference Hall at 11:00 A.M.

The formal program started with invoking Gods’ blessings by way of a classical dance. Mr. Marcel Monteiro, Convenor -Centenary Celebrations Committee escorted the guests to the dais and welcomed the gathering.